UN coordinator for oil-for-food program with Iraq will resign

UN coordinator in the Food for oil program in Iraq Dennis Halliday has decided to resign his post in September.

A spokesman for Halliday was quoted as saying that the development expert, who is now on leave in his home country, Ireland, will resign for personal reasons. Halliday assumed office last September. He was known for the impetus he had given to the oil-for-food program permitting Iraq to sell limited amounts of oil against buying foodstuffs, and medicine and other humanitarian aid items.

Reports said that Halliday felt regret over restrictions palced on his work by the Security Council and UN officials. He is known for supporting the lifting of sanctions imposed on Iraq since 1990 as soon as possible.